Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Desmond Swayne and Michael Ellis

Thursday 8th December 2016 Commons Chamber

[Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)]

2. What plans he has for sittings of the House in September 2017.

[The Deputy Leader of the House of Commons (Michael Ellis)]

My right hon. Friend the Leader of the House announced recess dates up to, and even including, Whitsun at last Thursday’s business questions. Further dates will be announced in due course, and in the usual way.

[Sir Desmond Swayne]

The question was whether we will sit in September; assuming we will, where?

[Michael Ellis]

My right hon. Friend is not likely ever to be admonished by Mr Speaker for verbosity. As far as September 2017 is concerned, this House will be sitting here. I think my right hon. Friend is referring to the renovation and renewal of this place; that would not take place, if it is voted on in this House, until the early 2020s, so we would be sitting here in September 2017. But my right hon. Friend may wish to spend some time in the cellars of this place, because there one can gauge, if one has a tour, just how much work needs to be done in the renovation of this House, and I am afraid an extra couple of weeks in the summer recess won’t cut it.

[Sir Desmond Swayne]

If it is all the same with my hon. Friend, I would rather not.